Introduction:

The consumption of substances of abuse is a central public health issue both nationally and internationally. The profile of consumers has changed in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Disorders associated with drug use represent a major and potentially modifiable risk factor for the development and severity of critical illnesses, which are associated with poorer clinical outcomes.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of substance abuse among patients admitted to an intensive care unit in Uruguay during two periods 10 years apart (2013 and 2023), and to characterise and compare these populations.

Methodology:

A retrospective, observational, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on patients admitted to an intensive care unit in Uruguay in 2013 and 2023. All patients over 18 years of age admitted between May and October of those years were included. Two groups of patients with a history of substance use were considered: one including those admitted in 2013 and another including those admitted in 2023.

Results:

The prevalence of patients with a history of substance use was higher in 2023 than in 2013 (73.2% [180/246] vs. 56.9% [198/348]); (p<0.001). Patients with a history of substance use in 2023 showed a higher prevalence of cocaine base paste use (p=0.031), benzodiazepine use (p<0.001), and polyconsumption (p=0.001), as well as psychiatric (p=0.001), neurological (p=0.023), and tuberculosis (p=0.021) comorbidities compared with those from 2013.

Conclusions:

An increase in the prevalence of substance abuse was observed in an intensive care unit in Uruguay, along with a change in the profile of users over 10 years. These results highlight an ongoing social phenomenon and provide guidance for the development of future health policies.

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